Georgiy Mamedov addressed the Empire Club today amid tension over Moscow’s involvement in eastern Ukraine.

Pro-Russian gunmen have taken control of government buildings there to back demands for closer ties with Russia.

Ottawa`s slapped sanctions against Moscow and has warned that intervention in Ukraine, that followed the annexation of Crimea, is a threat to world peace.

Mamedov said Crimea always belonged to Russia.

He also accused Canada of starting the ”sanctions war”, adding that sanctions have never had much effect in world affairs.

As he spoke, someone in the audience held up a sign that read ”Lies,” while another shouted ”not true,” after which Mamedov pleaded with the hecklers to let him speak.

Meanwhile, Russia`s expelled a first secretary at the Canadian embassy in Moscow, which comes after Canada quietly kicked out an assistant Russian defence attache earlier this month.